Newcastle University

Why study English at Newcastle?

• We are a lively and expanding School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, admitting some 225 undergraduates into Stage 1 each year.
• Our range of teaching reflects — and has often been in the forefront of — exciting developments in our subject areas over the last few years.
• On the Literature side we now have strengths in, for instance, creative writing, post-colonial literature, children’s literature, film, as well as in traditional areas such as Renaissance drama and Romantic poetry. On the Language/Linguistics side, we have been joined in the last few years by several linguists including four formerly at Durham University, and have expanded our coverage of language acquisition, syntax, World Englishes and the history of English. In addition, we have added new expertise in language evolution and in Celtic linguistics.
• We are somewhat unusual in offering degree programmes in English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, and Linguistics, as well as contributing to other degrees. Within each degree there is a strong element of individual choice and an unusually wide range of modules.
• We have received excellent gradings for teaching and research in the most recent national assessment exercises.
• More importantly, we believe that teaching should grow out of research, and we encourage our students to think of themselves as researchers.
• There are plenty of opportunities within the University for student theatre and journalism. Creative writing is a major strength, and there is a lively programme of performances and workshops, both within and beyond the curriculum.
• We are at the centre of the University campus, which is pleasant, compact and close to the city centre.
• Newcastle is a great place to live, and its rich cultural life includes theatre (with an annual season of performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company), film, music and poetry readings, not to mention the famous night life.